It was great to get together for lunch yesterday. We were able to sit around the table as a church family for a fascinating meal reflecting the widely varying culinary tastes of Germany and Argentina. There was cheese and salami, sausages with little footballs imprinted on them. We enjoyed beef and quinoa in a Chimichurri sauce followed by Apple Strudel. Thanks to everyone for all the food.

Then we shared together in some thoughts about Journeys. Most of us seem to enjoy travelling especially when the countryside is pleasant to look at. Whoever we all realised that a journey involves a time of transition when we are neither at home or are yet to arrive. This period can sometimes be challenging – perhaps it is why we find ourselves saying – ‘Are we there yet!’

The Bible is full of such stories. Here are some that we considered: Journeys.

With there being so much apparent conflict and disturbance in the world, we need to seek the peace of God which the Bible describes as passing our understanding if we are to make a difference in our world. Our prayer this week focuses on that sense of peace.

Peace be in this new day,peace of heart and mind,peace with the past, peace with the future.May the peace of Christ make a home in my heart,may it disarm anger and calm all fear today,may it settle in my soul and stay. Amen

This month we have the great privilege of being joined by a talented group of local musicians intriguingly called the Masters of Nonne. They will be bringing a mixture of great tunes from the 70’s and 80’s plus an occasional original composition.

Having missed Breakfast last month after being rushed into hospital. I am hopeful that this month I shall be in attendance.

To fortify us for the coming of summer welcome the return of our famous Breakfast gathering. As usual there will be a delightful mix of food, fun, faith and fellowship. We shall be continuing to think about the issues facing GraceSpace in the near future.

Sunday 5st July – 10.00am @ 6 Glenhurst Road

Why not come along and bring your friends. There is always plenty of everything to go around.

Yesterday we addressed some of the issues which have been raised as a result of the prospect of the changes caused by my move to Wrose.

The following things were agreed.

Day to Day Co-ordination: Hilary Paley

Decision making should continue to be done by regular summit meetings.

Contact details will be changed on the website to reflect this.

Pastoral care will continue to be offered by the group and difficult cases can be referred to Colin.

Shipley/Saltaire will continue to be our general location for mission and ministry, however that does not preclude our working elsewhere as the Spirit leads.

We have agreed to leave the bank account etc as it stands in the moment. We can move the account to Wrose or create a separate charity in March next year whatever seems appropriate the time.

There was some discussion about our connection the Diocese and it was agreed that some compromises might be necessary but no final decision was taken.

Hilary and Val were feeling led to start a women’s group.

Kate and Carol had been investigating the possibility of offering a regular ‘ikon’ type to the local community. Saltaire Methodist had offered their building for such an event on the 4th Sunday of the month.

Carol asked us to think about the question of ‘who were really are and what do we mean to each other.’

It this point we stopped for tea and agreed to follow-up this and other questions at Breakfast next week.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the discussion and to the wonderful tea that we shared.

I found this prayer in a little books of prayers by Joan Copeland. It spoke to me because I sense that we are in the midst of being re-shaped by God into something new and fresh. We need to allow him to do his work even though the process might prove uncomfortable.

You are the Potter, Lord, and we the clay. My life is like a shelf of little pots. Many are ugly and misshapen things. They need to be remade, re-thrown by you, stamped with your Name. But in the end You, Lord, must take them all, mould them together in one single lump, throw them upon your wheel, fire with your love, fill with your Spirit. Then shall I be whole. A fitting vessel for your glory, Lord. Amen.